Convey to your colleagues and patients that you have achieved distinction as a leader in the musculoskeletal health field by becoming a Fellow of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS).
The FAAOS designation differentiates you from other musculoskeletal professionals by your experience, your commitment to patients, your education, and continued professional development.
Fuel your passion for excellence as a Fellow of AAOS.
Active Fellow Membership applications are now open from October 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025.
How to Apply
Advance Your Orthopaedic Surgical Knowledge and Apply Today.
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2025
If interested in becoming an Active Fellow, please select "Active Fellow" in the application system.
Eligibility for Active Fellow Membership
To be eligible for Active Fellow Membership, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (AOBOS), or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- Devote your medical practice exclusively to orthopaedic surgery or engage in the teaching of orthopaedic surgery or research related to the musculoskeletal system; practice in the United States or Canada
- Maintain a full, unrestricted, and unlimited license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada or provide evidence of full-time medical service in the federal government which does not require a medical license
- Comply with the AAOS Standards of Professionalism
Application Quick Facts
Application Period
October 1, 2024 through May 31, 2025
Application Fee
$350 one-time processing fee is due at the time of application
Membership Dues
2025 dues for Active Fellows are $1,131
Notification Date
October 2025
What You Need To Know When Applying for FAAOS Membership
All applications are reviewed and approved first by the Membership Council and then by the AAOS Board of Directors each September. Applicants are approved and accepted as an election class each year in October.
The full application process can take 10 to 12 months, so we encourage you to apply early.
It will take approximately 60 minutes to complete your application. You can also save your progress and finish at a later time.
Applications not completed within 30 days of the start of the application will be deleted.
Before you begin your application, have the following information and documents gathered:
- Sponsor names (sponsors must be Active AAOS Fellow Members)
- Certification and practice information
- Medical education, residency, and fellowship information
- Hospital and teaching affiliation(s)
- License(s) and practice history
- Medical society memberships
- Curriculum vitae (PDF to upload)
Elevate to FAAOS Membership
Stand Apart from Your Peers
Achieving and maintaining your FAAOS designation reflects your dedication to the highest standards of orthopaedic practice. With our support, you have access to the resources and continuing education necessary to stay ahead in your field, ensuring that you consistently deliver the best care and uphold your professional reputation.
Maintain Your Certification
Our wide selection of flexible, high-quality learning opportunities help you meet your CME and MOC certification requirements without disrupting your practice.
JAAOS Collection
Staying current with the latest research and advancements is crucial for delivering optimal patient care. The JAAOS Collection provides peer-reviewed articles and clinical insights that keep you informed and equipped to apply cutting-edge knowledge in your practice.
Courses OnDemand
Save time and stay organized at your own pace with options to start and stop when needed with Courses OnDemand, where you can earn CME while learning from expert faculty in your practice specialty.
Orthopaedic Video Theater (OVT)
OVT provides you with 1,600+ on-demand, high-quality video tutorials that cover both foundational and advanced procedures, allowing you to refine your skills and keep up with the latest advancements in orthopaedic surgery, all on your own schedule.
Techniques Journals
Find complete reports on new and established surgical techniques to help you master your skillsets with four journals to choose from, Techniques in Orthopaedics, Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, and Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery, and back issues of Techniques in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery (2000-2020).
What Is Your FAAOS Membership Worth?
FAAOS Membership offers incredible value. Membership will provide you with a range of exclusive products, programs, services, and discounts that will help improve your patient care and support the success of your practice.
Membership Dues for the AAOS Active Fellow Class of 2025
AAOS Membership runs on the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. If accepted, your dues for the 2025 membership year will be due January 1, 2025. Active Fellow Membership is a continuous membership, meaning dues are automatically billed every October for the upcoming membership cycle.
Do You Have Questions or Need Assistance?
Please contact our Customer and Member Service Team or call us at 800-626-6726 today.